Bangkok Curfew Imposed To Curb Violence In Thailand

Submitted by Liana on Thu, 06/17/2010 - 22:53.

As protests and violence are nevertheless taking place, officials have declared a curfew for Bangkok and other areas. This may be a prelude to martial law being declared within the capital of Thailand, if the situation doesn’t start to subside. The Red Shirt protesters aren't backing down entirely, and anti-government protests are still going on. Foreign governments are beginning to urge their citizens not to travel there if possible.

Article Source: Bangkok curfew imposed as violence and fires rage in Thailand

Bangkok protester encampment raided

The damage that has been done will take a lot more than just a little money now to undo and restore order and confidence in leadership among the citizens. A camp full of Red Shirt protesters has been raided by the Thai military, according to the Christian Science Monitor. A curfew was imposed for Bangkok as well as other areas in Thailand soon after. When the military entered the camp, leaders among the Red Shirts announced they were surrendering to stay away from further violence. Following this announcement, further violence broke out in Bangkok streets, and various buildings were set on fire in apparent arson attacks.

British Government issues travel advisory

Following the violent Bangkok protests, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised British nationals to stay away from traveling to Thailand, according to the BBC. The British Embassy had closed on May 14 due to violence within the capital. They are advising Britons in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand to stay home if at all possible, and if they must travel, to do so after curfew hours with all appropriate paperwork to ensure their safety. Thai officials said travel after curfew hours will be fine if all passports and appropriate paperwork are on hand and individuals are cooperative with police and military checkpoints.

Further unrest

After the raid on the encampments of Red Shirts, numerous buildings were set on fire, and emergency services had difficulty extinguishing the blazes. The Red Shirt protesters are deeply unsatisfied with the current government, and are calling for the government to hold instant elections. It may be some time before order is restored.

Citations

Christian Science Monitor

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2010/0519/Clashe...

BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8693122.stm